ATP DOUBLES PLAYERS OPPOSE PROPOSAL TO HALVE TOURNAMENT DRAWS

Leading doubles players have accused the ATP Tour of attempting to eliminate doubles as a sustainable career path. The tour proposed changes at Wimbledon on Tuesday that could reduce doubles draws from 2028 onwards, limiting ATP 1000 events to 16 teams and smaller tournaments to eight teams. Prize money allocated to doubles competitors could decrease from 20% to 10%, with the additional funds redirected to singles players. The players issued a statement rejecting what they characterised as a plan to "end doubles as a viable profession".

The financial consequences of the proposed changes would be substantial. At the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event, Jannik Sinner received $1.151m (£860,000) for winning the singles title, whilst Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard each earned $234,000 (£175,000) for the doubles victory. The players argued that competitors ranked outside the world's top 30 would find it impossible to sustain a living under the new structure. They stated the proposals represent a significant shift rather than a minor adjustment, and criticised the lack of transparency and player consultation in the decision-making process.

The players emphasised that doubles remains integral to professional tennis and the amateur game. They disputed characterisations of doubles as secondary to singles, asserting it has always formed part of the sport's identity. Some within the sport believe the current 20% prize money allocation to doubles is disproportionate relative to spectator interest in doubles events. The players' statement indicated their intention to resist implementation of the ATP's proposals.